Participants in Sustainable Pittsburgh’s yearlong Green Workplace challenge made changes that will save 19 million kWh of energy annually, and they’re not done yet.

The results of the first 9 months of the Green Workplace challenge competition were announced this morning at Sustainable Pittsburgh’s first clean-air workshop.

Since the competition started last September, the competitors have also slashed their water consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Initiatives launched by competitors are expected to save 49 million gallons of water a year, the same amount of water consumed by 514 American homes. They also reduced greenhouse gas emissions 8,896 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Private sector energy solutions took center stage at Thursday’s workshop held at the Phipps Conservatory.

Keynote speaker John Creyts, program director for the Rocky Mountain Institute, encouraged the business leaders and observers to pursue alternative and renewable energy options for their businesses.

“This energy solution will be led by the C suite, not K Street,” Creyts said.

He also commented on the ways the military’s demand for fuel efficiency was driving demand and accelerating fuel efficiency in the civilian market.

The workshop featured panel discussions and breakout sessions where competitors could share ideas and learn about green business practices and energy solutions before receiving a tour of the conservatory's new Center for Sustainable Landscapes.